The B.C. Lions' wide receiver signed a new deal with the Grey Cup champions yesterday after his first two CFL campaigns were cut short by knee ligament injuries.

Simmons expects to play an important role after Ryan Thelwell signed a free agent deal with the Calgary Stampeders.

"That makes me want to be on the field even more now," Simmons said. "I've never been a 1,000-yard receiver in a season. If there's opportunity to do that in this offence, that would be great."

The 32-year-old caught five passes in the 2006 season opener, including a 70-yard touchdown. He tore his right knee ligaments a week later in Regina. He played five games in 2005 before he was sidelined by a similar injury.

Simmons, who spent six years in the NFL, minds his Chicago-based sports performance and corporate boot camp businesses in the off-season.